Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a hearty dish made with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a tasty sauce that brings everything together. It’s perfect for a cozy meal!
Throw it all in the pot, set it, and forget it! I love coming home to the smell of this dish. It’s so easy, even my cat thinks I’m a gourmet chef! 🐱🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking. If you’re looking for alternatives, try sirloin or chuck roast, which are also great choices and can be more budget-friendly.
Bell Peppers: The combination of green and red peppers adds sweetness and color. If you’re short on time, you could use a pre-mixed frozen pepper blend instead, or swap in other veggies like zucchini or snap peas for a different flavor.
Beef Broth: It elevates the dish’s flavor. If you want a lighter option, vegetable broth works well. For a touch of richness, you can use low-sodium beef broth and adjust the salt later as needed.
Cornsarch: This is used to thicken the sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a substitute.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Beef in a Crock Pot?
Getting the beef just right is key to a tasty Crock Pot dish. Here are some tips to help you cook it perfectly:
- Sear the Beef: Browning the flank steak in a skillet adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it makes a difference!
- Cook Time: The magic happens when the beef is cooked low and slow. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours allows the meat to tenderize beautifully. If you’re in a rush, stick with high for 3-4 hours.
- Check for Tenderness: Before serving, use a fork to test the beef. It should shred easily; if it’s still tough, give it some extra cooking time.
How to Make Crock Pot Pepper Steak?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy Crock Pot Pepper Steak will take about 20 minutes of prep time and will simmer in your crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. That means you can set it and forget it while it cooks to juicy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the sliced flank steak. Sear the steak strips until they are browned on all sides. This step adds great flavor! Once done, carefully transfer the browned steak into your crock pot.
2. Adding the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to pile on the veggies! Add the sliced onion along with the green and red bell peppers right into the crock pot with the seared beef. Isn’t it colorful?
3. Mixing the Sauce:
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. This tasty sauce will bring everything together!
4. Combining Everything:
Pour your sauce mixture over the beef and veggies in the crock pot. Give it a little stir to make sure everything is nicely coated.
5. Cooking to Perfection:
Now, cover your crock pot and set it to cook. Choose the low setting for 6-8 hours or the high setting for 3-4 hours. The meat will become tender and flavorful as it cooks, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
6. Serving Up:
Once it’s done cooking, it’s time to enjoy your meal! Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice or noodles, ladling the rich sauce and vegetables on top. Enjoy your hearty Crock Pot Pepper Steak!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is a great choice, you can substitute it with sirloin, round, or even chuck steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tougher cuts may need longer to become tender. Make sure to slice it against the grain for the best texture!
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Recipe?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check your beef broth as well, as some contain gluten. Opt for a gluten-free version to keep everything safe and delicious!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
You can definitely add more veggies! Carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas would be fantastic additions. Just remember to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate as the peppers and onions. Add them to the crock pot along with the beef for the best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out while reheating!
